Method and apparatus for optical switching devices utilizing a bi-morphic piezoelectric apparatus

Abstract

The present invention provides a method and apparatus for optical switching devices utilizing a bi-morphic piezoelectric apparatus. The optical switching devices include an arm comprising a piezoelectric material, the arm including a first and a second face and a first and a second end, wherein the first face is opposite to the second face, wherein the first end is opposite to the second end; at least one electrode coupled to the arm for providing a voltage difference between the first and second faces of the arm; a support coupled to the first end of the arm for fixedly supporting the first end; an object with a convex surface coupled to the second end of the arm; an optical element coupled to the second face of the arm capable of deflecting an optical signal traveling therethrough; a first magnet proximately located to the object and to the first face of the arm; and a second magnet proximately located to the object and to the second face of the arm. The optical switching devices include optical switches utilizing a single electro-mechanical apparatuses or a plurality of them in a cascade arrangement, a reversible optical circulator, and a switchable optical channel separator. The optical devices have stable and reproducible operation, high switching speeds, and low sensitivity to slight optical mis-alignments or vibrations. They are of a compact modular design that allows the construction of more complex optical devices through utilization of a cascading arrangement.